edification

/ˈɛdəfəˌkeɪʃən/

Other forms: edifications

If something is for your edification, watch out! It means it's designed to improve you in some way, whether morally, educationally, or spiritually.

Originally edification had a strictly religious sense, in the meaning of "building up of the soul," from the Latin term aedificationem, for "construction" or "building." From the same word we get edifice, meaning a building, especially a large and imposing one. So, you see, edification is all about efforts to build you into a more sound human being. Children can have a particular dislike for TV shows or books that are considered edifying by their parents or teachers.

Definitions of edification

1. noun

   uplifting enlightenment
   synonyms: sophistication

   types:

   disenchantment, disillusion, disillusionment

   freedom from false belief or illusions

   type of:

   enlightenment

   education that results in understanding and the spread of knowledge